Now, my reader should ponder both these aspects of the believer, in order that he may see, not only what a highly exalted and privileged place he occupies with Christ on high, but also what ample provision there is for him in reference to his every need and weakness here below. This distinction might further be developed in this way:--The believer is represented as being _of the Church_, and _in the kingdom_. As the former, heaven is his place, his home, his portion, the seat of his affections: as the latter, he is on earth, in the place of trial, responsibility, and conflict. Hence, therefore, priesthood is a divine provision for those who though being of the Church, and belonging to heaven, are nevertheless in the kingdom, and walking on the earth. This distinction is a very simple one, and, when apprehended, explains a vast number of passages of Scripture in which many minds encounter considerable difficulty.[19]
[19] A comparison of the epistle to the Ephesians with the first epistle of Peter will furnish the reader with much valuable instruction in reference to the double aspect of the believer's position. The former shows him as seated in heaven; the latter, as a pilgrim and a sufferer on earth.
In looking into the contents of the chapters which lie open before us, we may remark three things put prominently forward, namely, the authority of the Word, the value of the blood, the power of the Spirit. These are weighty matters--matters of unspeakable importance--matters which must be regarded by every Christian as unquestionably vital and fundamental.
And, first, as to the authority of the Word, it is of the deepest interest to see that in the consecration of the priests, as well as in the entire range of the sacrifices, we are brought immediately under the authority of the Word of God.--"And Moses said unto the congregation, '_This is the thing which the Lord_ commanded to be done.'" (Chap. viii. 5.) And again, "Moses said, '_This is the thing which the Lord commanded_ that ye should do: _and the glory of the Lord shall appear unto you_.'" (Chap. ix. 6.) Let these words sink down into our ears; let them be carefully and prayerfully pondered: they are priceless words.--"_This_ is _the_ thing which _the Lord_ commanded." He did not say, This is the thing which is expedient, agreeable, or suitable; neither did he say, This is the thing which has been arranged by the voice of the fathers, the decree of the elders, or the opinion of the doctors. Moses knew nothing of such sources of authority. To him there was one holy, elevated, paramount source of authority, and that was, the Word of Jehovah, and he would bring every member of the assembly into direct contact with that blessed source. This gave assurance to the heart, and fixedness to all the thoughts. There was no room left for tradition, with its uncertain sound, or for man, with his doubtful disputations. All was clear, conclusive, and authoritative. Jehovah had spoken; and all that was needed was to hear what He had said, and obey. Neither tradition nor expediency has any place in the heart that has learnt to prize, to reverence, and to obey the Word of God.
And what was to be the result of this strict adherence to the Word of God? A truly blessed result indeed.--"The glory of the Lord shall appear unto you." Had the Word been disregarded, the glory would not have appeared. The two things were intimately connected. The slightest deviation from "Thus saith Jehovah" would have prevented the beams of the divine glory from appearing to the congregation of Israel. Had there been the introduction of a single rite or ceremony not enjoined by the Word, or had there been the omission of aught which that Word commanded, Jehovah would not have manifested His glory. He could not sanction by the glory of His presence the neglect or rejection of His Word. He can bear with ignorance and infirmity, but He cannot sanction neglect or disobedience.
Oh that all this were more solemnly considered, in this day of tradition and expediency! I would, in earnest affection, and in the deep sense of personal responsibility to my reader, exhort him to give diligent heed to the importance of close--I had almost said severe--adherence and reverent subjection to the Word of God. Let him try every thing by that standard, and reject all that comes not up to it,--let him weigh every thing in that balance, and cast aside all that is not full weight,--let him measure every thing by that rule, and refuse all deviation. If I could only be the means of awakening one soul to a proper sense of the place which belongs to the Word of God, I should feel I had not written my book for naught or in vain.